Tips on Pet Health in 
Pierrefonds-roxboro

Why is it important to sterilize my dog or cat?

• To reduce the likelihood of behavioural problems related to hormones
• To avoid cancer in later life (breast cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer)
• To reduce the risk of urine marking in the house
• To reduce the number of abandoned or euthanized pets

Which vaccines are recommended for my dog or cat?

• For cats and dogs, we recommend a basic vaccine and a rabies vaccine
• For outdoor cats, a leukemia vaccine is strongly recommended
• For dogs that need it, we recommend the Bordetella vaccine (intranasal vaccine against canine cough) and leptospirosis vaccines
• Contact us for more details.

Why should I microchip my pet?

Implanting a microchip in your pet offers additional security in case your pet runs away or gets lost. The microchip ID will allow veterinarians, rescue organizations and animal protection societies to identify your pet and return it home quickly and safely.

Why is it important for my pet to maintain a healthy weight?

It has been proven that pets that maintain a healthy weight live longer, healthier lives. A healthy weight reduces the likelihood of contracting diseases such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis and pancreatitis and skin problems caused by a lack of grooming (especially in cats) and more.

How can I help prevent Lyme disease?

• Use a tick repellant to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to your pet.
• Check your pet's coat daily for ticks (especially the head and neck areas). If you find one or more ticks, it is important to have your vet remove them, or take them off yourself if you know how.
• If you take walks in wooded areas or regions that are home to a large numbers of ticks, then consider vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease, in addition to the instructions given above.

What is involved in a health check-up?

A health check-up involves a blood test to analyse your pet’s liver and check protein levels. This analysis may include an assessment of white and red blood cells and the thyroid, if necessary. This test should be done annually so that care can be given if needed, and to have a better overview if your pet should get sick.

My cat scratches my furniture. What can I do?

• Buy a good scratching post. It should be solid and stable, a good height and must be placed in the right spot, i.e., a place where the cat would sharpen its claws. More than one scratching post may be necessary to protect various locations.
• Place a blanket on the sofa to protect it from the cat’s rear claws.
• Cut the claws often and/or ask for Soft Paws (plastic nails to cover the cat’s claws.)
• Put aluminum foil or double-sided masking tape on the scratched areas to redirect the cat to the scratching post.
• To learn more, contact us or visit Cat Educator.